We can all appreciate a beautiful piece of furniture, but seeing how it's made brings a depth of understanding that's worth the trip to Fayettville, N.Y. to the Stickley factory. Begun in 1900, this company has been run by two families and their backstory makes them truly part of American history. Heavy, dark and carved Victorian furniture spawned the design backlash known as the "Arts and Crafts" period. Best known for their quarter-sawn oak "Mission" style from this time, Stickley's other collections run from modern to John Widdicomb's highly ornate styling. All are stunning and destined to be tomorrows heirlooms...
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"...the witch's brew of all that's wrong with furniture making today..." loose quote referencing this chair from Leopold Stickley, circa 1900
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| Yes, it is a factory...but each board has been handled at least 15 times before the initial sanding |
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| Prototype of a dresser for the 'Pasadena Bungalow' collection |
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| 'Pasadena Bungalow' dining collection - note the bas relief on the sideboard panels |
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| Never-to-be-seen blind dovetail on dresser rails - you can stand in a drawer thanks to the side hung, center guided rail system |
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| One of my favorites, the 'Metro' collection Morris chair and ottoman - the collection uses walnut and cherry and while the design is archival Mission, the vibe is modern |
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| 'Metro' console...the center radiating graining pattern is gorgeous in person! |
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| Unfinished trestle table from the new 'Finger Lakes' collection |
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...and here it is after being hand-distressed
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| A chair leg being fitted |
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| Dash holding forth about his craft...here a chest in the 'Before' stage of his magic... |
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| ...and here is the 'After' |
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| From the John Widdicomb collection - incredible detail |
